Honey Hot Chicken Salad (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Crispy Chicken
01 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
02 -
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
03 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
07 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
08 -
1 large egg, beaten
09 -
2 tablespoons milk
→ For the Hot Honey Sauce
10 -
1/3 cup honey
11 -
2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as sriracha or Frank’s RedHot)
12 -
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
13 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
14 -
1 tablespoon butter
→ For the Salad
15 -
6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or arugula)
16 -
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
17 -
1 small cucumber, sliced
18 -
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
19 -
1 avocado, diced
20 -
1/2 cup shredded carrots
21 -
1/4 cup crumbled feta or blue cheese (optional)
→ For the Dressing
22 -
1/3 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
23 -
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
24 -
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
02 -
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and butter. Stir until smooth and warmed through. Once the chicken is done, toss it in the hot honey sauce until fully coated.
03 -
In a large bowl, toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and shredded carrots. Drizzle with ranch dressing and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
04 -
Top the salad with hot honey chicken. Sprinkle with crumbled feta or blue cheese, if using. Serve immediately and enjoy.
# Notes:
01 -
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne.
02 -
Swap ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing for a different flavor.
03 -
For extra crunch, add toasted pecans or sunflower seeds.